Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications, witnessed the launch of a new partnership between the American University of Sharjah and the UAE Artificial Intelligence Authority to build an AI future-ready workforce. The partnership will launch Sharjah’s Digital Talent, a program aimed at equipping students and graduates with practical AI skills in line with the goals of the UAE’s Artificial Intelligence Strategy. “This agreement reflects the important role universities play in preparing talent for a future shaped by artificial intelligence and digital innovation,” said Universities Australia President Dr Todd Laursen. Through this initiative, the UAE Artificial Intelligence Authority and AUS aim to strengthen pathways for emerging talent and strengthen the link between higher education and national development.
Australia and UAE AI offices launch “Sharjah Digital Talent”
The partnership will expand the UAE’s national AI strategy into a geographically targeted initiative by launching an intensive program, ‘Digital Talent in Sharjah’, to develop skilled professionals within the Sharjah region. The agreement, officially signed by Mr. Saqr Binghalib and Dr. Tod Laursen, aims to equip current students and graduates with practical skills in artificial intelligence and related technologies. The initiative focuses on applied digital skills, bridging the gap between education and market demand, and supporting the UAE’s ambitions for digital transformation and sustainable development. Saqr Binharib asserted that “Sharjah’s Digital Talent” embodies the UAE government’s investment in human capital as a cornerstone of AI leadership and will play a key role in equipping students and graduates with applied digital skills to align educational outcomes with market demands. In addition to the new program, AUS has expanded its AI-related learning opportunities to more than 50 undergraduate and 43 graduate courses, and faculty have published more than 250 research papers focused on AI in the past five years, demonstrating its commitment to the field and the foundation of this new partnership.
AUS expands AI integration across learning and research
This initiative demonstrates a commitment to move beyond theoretical research to practical application and build a pipeline of skilled professionals who can contribute to the UAE’s artificial intelligence strategy. Todd Laursen explained that this initiative is not just about adding AI courses, but is about system integration across the university’s curriculum. Over the past five years, AUS has expanded its AI-related learning opportunities to more than 50 undergraduate courses and 43 graduate courses, demonstrating a significant investment in AI education. Faculty research is also active, with more than 250 papers focused on AI published, demonstrating the strong academic foundation supporting the program. The University’s AI Hub operates within the Center for Innovation in Teaching and Learning and provides a dedicated space for exploring AI, while prioritizing ethical considerations, privacy, and critical thinking, which are essential to responsible AI development and deployment.
This agreement reflects the important role universities must play in preparing talent for a future increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence and digital innovation.
Dr Todd Laursen, Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Australia
